As you have certainly heard by now, the Detroit Lions stood pat at Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. No bold additions. No blockbuster deals. Just quiet confidence in the roster that got them here.
At 5-3, which is tied for 2nd place in the NFC North, the Lions still control their playoff destiny. But with offensive line injuries piling up and some depth questions at key defensive positions, many expected GM Brad Holmes to make at least one move before the buzzer. Instead, Holmes and Dan Campbell are doubling down on their belief in this group.
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Campbell and Holmes Are Playing the Long Game
Dan Campbell has made it clear, this wasn’t about stubbornness or inactivity. It was about timing. The Lions expect several key defenders to return soon, including Kerby Joseph, D.J. Reed, and Marcus Davenport.
Those three alone drastically change the outlook of Detroit’s defense. Add in Josh Paschal, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Khalil Dorsey, who are also nearing returns, and suddenly the Lions are far closer to full strength than their midseason record might suggest.
Holmes and Campbell seem to be viewing the second half of the season as an internal reset, one that could be just as impactful as any trade.
Offensive Line Depth Is a Concern, But Help May Come from Within
The one area where Detroit’s inactivity raised eyebrows was the offensive line. With Christian Mahogany sidelined due to a broken bone in his leg and both Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell nursing shoulder and knee issues, fans expected movement.
Instead, Campbell said the Lions will rely on internal options for now. Kayode Awosika finished last week’s game at left guard, and both Trystan Colon and rookie Kingsley Eguakun will get looks in practice. Veteran Graham Glasgow could also slide over to guard if needed, which just so happens to be what he prefers.
That internal flexibility, paired with the Lions’ trust in offensive line coach Hank Fraley, is part of why Holmes chose patience over panic.
A Calculated Gamble
Let’s be honest: standing pat comes with risk. Injuries have already tested Detroit’s depth, and upcoming road games at Washington and Philadelphia before a Thanksgiving showdown with Green Bay will reveal whether that faith was well placed.
Still, this is exactly how Holmes and Campbell have built the Lions; methodically, patiently, and with a long-term focus. They don’t chase short-term fixes; they reinforce what they’ve built.
So while some teams made splashy moves, the Lions chose stability. They’re betting that the return of their defensive playmakers, plus a regrouping offensive front, will make them stronger when it matters most, December and beyond.